The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1887-09-09
A JAPANESE LOVE STORY.

Ine low tndtcneu cottage IN which the SIS
tiers O-Suba and Niya lived with widowed
aunt. Their father had fallen I'm battle,
and his wife soon followed. him to the
grave, committing her children to the care
of their only remaining relative O-Suba.
the elder, was brunette, With sparkling
black eyes and white teeth that sbone be-
tween fall, ruddy lips. She was taller
than Niya, who was fair and slight, with
mild blue eyes and a soft voice.
For over n year O-Suba had been be-
trothed to Kampei, the son of a neighbor-
ing farmer. Their parents had arranged
the matter. Though IL was not made
formal by an exchange of presents, the
young people regarded IL as settled: and
the marriage was deferred only until
Kampei returned from n campaign against
n rebel prince, in which he was to follow
his lord, his father being too old to take
the field.
When the young man called on the sis
tiers in order to say adieu, he was morti-
fed by O-Suba's manner, which seemed
to show that she regarded his absence rs
reprieve; and his face betrayed his feel
ings.
do not look thus, good Kampei. before
your commander!' she said laughingly.
HE will think you coward. Go and
win booty and come back covered with
glory. Who would not be soldier rather
than mean farmer?'' she cried with ami
nation. "a warrior is gentleman, has
his pocket full Of bright silver and is
esteemed by his lord. Go, Kampei; shall
despise you If you hesitater'
Kampei was stung by her tones and rose
hastily. A deep sigh reached him, and on
turning around he saw Niya sitting in n
corner of the ROOM her face buried in the
loose sleeves of her robe.
Farewell, Niya," he said.
A sob rose'in the girls throat as she re-
piled, Farewell, Kampei. And remem-
ber," she faltered, "that If anything oc-
ours to you, I've shall be broken
hearted"
''You will not forget me, O-Subap It
will cheer me to know that
III shall MOI forget you," she said i'm
patiently; and the young man left, catch
ing glance as he closed the garden gate
OF O-Suba waving q gay adieu, and of
Niya with her face hidden in her hands. :
One day, a few months after Kam-
pei's departure, his mother called at the
cottage, and after relating pitiful tale of
bad harvests, poverty and debt said that
her husband, who was in feeble health,
would be sent to prison if she could not
obtain eighty riyos, and she begged O.
Suba, as her sons betrothed, to at least
lend that sum to her O-Suba treated the
poor woman harshly, refused the money
and reminded her visitor that as presents
are not yet exchanged their marriage must
not be regarded as certain.
Niya in vain urged her aunt to apply
portion of her little fortune to the farmers
relief. Her, relatives were obdurate, and
ha Al
when the younger girl sprang up, thrust
her feet into her sandals and hurried after
the visitor, overtaking her before she
reached the gate. --,
when must you have the money!"
che asked. 30 - : q. ~ - b ~
within three days, Niya."
'You shall have it," said the girl; and
escaping from the thanks and blessings Of
the old woman, she returned to the house.
She threw herself ON the mat in corner,
clasped her hands and puckered her brow
thoughtfully
Suddenly she uttered joyous cry.
The screens were drawn back, leaving the
whole front of the house open; and Niya
saw pair Of swallows fly into the room
and perch on the space between the wall
and the ceiling. chirping and chattering
together busily. fs f&f{s fE EFfltf
''See, sister, the pretty birds are going
to build; good fortune will be ours.
Sh--h-h! Dear O-Suba, do not disturb
theml" and she laid her hand impIoringly
on her sisters arm as O-Suba laughed at
her enthusiasm. r-2 =.
Niya sat there eagerly watching the
movements Of the birds and their many
flights toand fro while building their nest
Her relatives went out soon after and
Niya, after long look at the still busy
swallows, dressed herself and went out,
too. When O-Suba and her aunt re-
turned Niya was not at home and it was
long before they saw her face.
-
When the army to which Ka,npei be-
longed was disbanded his comrades gave
themselves up to revclry, while he, eager
to see O-Suba and anxious to see about
his parents, of whose troubles he had
heard, fastened Eomeward.
He was within short days journey of
his native village, when toward sunset he
reached tea house bearing on one of the
posts tho sign "Chaya Of the Verdant
Cherry Blossom" The screens forming
the front were thrown back, showing the
whole inside of the house. divided into
apartments by movable partitions; and in
one of the rooms number of gentlemen
retainersn sat drinking, their songs reach
ing the passers by mingled with the noise
of their quarrels.
AS Kampei cast away outside the We
randa his dusty sandals some of the fe-
male attendants ran out to meet him with
cries of welcome.
"Good afternoon, sirl BE good enough
to walk inside and rest, sir. The sun is
hot, the roads are parched and you must
be weary. We have liquor of Tensuii
and Satsuma tobacco and fragrant tea"
With many bows they led him into an
room, > and, when food and
drink were placed before him he was left
alone. He was soon waited on by another
gill, who came to- inquire If he wanted
anything more, and Kampei was astound-
ed to recognize i'm the new conner Niya-
but snot the Niya in quiet attire, with
downcast looks, whom he left behind at
Morioka. She had gay clothes; her hair
was adorned with large gold headed pins
and her face powdered. r ~
Niya drew back in confusion on seeing
KGmpei; then, collecting herself, she adj
vanced, and, pretending not to recognize
him, said ga gentleman Of the army Of